It takes considerable time, skill and effort to create a unique brochure. It would be frustrating if someone could legally copy your hard work and use it as their own. U.S. copyright law protects original works such as songs, poetry, books and brochures, and makes it illegal to copy these works without permission from their creator.

Unregistered Copyright

The moment you create an original work and fix it in a tangible medium, your creation is covered by U.S. copyright protection. In the context of a brochure, the finished work is protected by U.S. copyright statutes as soon as you save it to a digital file or print it on paper. Copyright protection begins automatically. You do not have to publish the brochure or register it to get copyright protection for it.

Registration

If you wish, you may register the copyright on your brochure to create a public record of your ownership. Registration forms may be submitted online or by postal mail. Your registration must include an application form, a filing fee and a copy of your brochure that the copyright office can keep for its records. You may sue someone who copies your brochure for copyright infringement without a registration, but if your copyright is registered, you can recover damages established in the copyright statutes in addition to your reasonable attorney fees.

About the Author

Marilyn Lindblad practices law on the west coast of the United States. She has been a freelance writer since 2007. Her work has appeared on various websites. Lindblad received her Juris Doctor from Lewis and Clark Law School.